Anime series often rely on strong main characters to define their brand. Classic heroes like Goku from Dragon Ball and Yusuke from Yu Yu Hakusho paved the way, followed by a new generation led by Luffy from One Piece and Naruto from Naruto. The 2010s brought memorable protagonists such as Eren from Attack on Titan and Deku from My Hero Academia. Now, a fresh wave of characters from the 2020s is emerging, quickly making a name for themselves and becoming fan favorites.
8. Ichi
- Manga: Ichi the Witch
Currently, Ichi the Witch doesn’t have an anime series, but the manga is incredibly popular. It’s become a huge success for Weekly Shonen Jump and continues to gain even more fans each week.
Ichi is the central figure in ‘Ichi the Witch,’ and he unexpectedly becomes the first male witch. After gaining magical powers, his journey alongside characters like Desscaras and other new recruits is quickly becoming more captivating. Fans are especially excited about Ichi because he’s linked to the world’s biggest secrets and offers a fresh take on the typical shonen hero. Given the manga’s growing popularity, an anime adaptation seems likely to happen soon.
7. Chihiro Rokuhira
- Anime: Kagurabachi
Although many fans are excited about a potential anime adaptation, Kagurabachi doesn’t have one yet. An anime series is currently being made by CyPic, with a planned release date in 2027. Even without an anime, the main character, Chihiro Rokuhira, has quickly become very popular with fans.
While the anime teaser offers a glimpse, Chihro truly stands out in the manga. His story begins with a heartbreaking tragedy: the death of his father, killed by sorcerers. Driven by a desire for revenge and a determination to honor his father’s memory, Chihro is a captivating protagonist who is sure to win over even more fans when the anime adaptation is released.
6. Rudo
- Anime: Gachiakuta
2025 saw the incredible arrival of Gachiakuta, a standout anime from Studio Bones based on Kei Urana’s manga. The series tackles thought-provoking themes about social and economic equality, with the character Rudo at the heart of the narrative.
Rudo began life in poverty as a member of a tribal community, but was wrongly accused of a crime and thrown into a pit. Over the course of the story, he develops into a ‘Giver’ and gains unique abilities through a special object. Rudo is an unconventional shonen hero, which makes him particularly memorable. A second season of Gachiakuta has been announced, though the release date is still unknown.
5. Coco
- Anime: Witch Hat Atelier
I’m so excited about the Witch Hat Atelier anime! It’s finally coming out in 2026 after a long wait – the creators really wanted to make sure it was perfect. And the first episode? Absolutely stunning! Coco, the main character, is instantly captivating, and her story is already drawing me in.
Coco dreams of becoming a magician. When she encounters the skilled Qifrey, she’s amazed by his powers. She discovers magic is created by drawing special symbols, and while secretly copying an old book she owns, she unintentionally casts a spell with terrible consequences for her mother. After this accident, she becomes Qifrey’s apprentice, determined to become a powerful witch and reverse the spell. The ongoing series, Witch Hat Atelier, has particularly shone because of Coco’s journey.
4. Momo and Okarun
- Anime: Dandadan
Dandadan rapidly gained popularity as a new series in Weekly Shonen Jump, and its first anime season in 2024 further increased its reach. The series, focusing on the characters Momo and Okarun, quickly captured the attention of millions of viewers in just 12 episodes.
Momo loves learning about the supernatural, while Okarun is fascinated by aliens. Surprisingly, both the occult and aliens are real in their world! This leads them to develop special powers, creating thrilling fights and encounters, like their first battle with Turbo Granny. Together, Okarun and Momo are a fantastic team and are quickly becoming known as some of the best new heroes around.
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3. Maomao
- Anime: The Apothecary Diaries
I started watching The Apothecary Diaries when it came out in 2023, and it quickly stood out to me. Unlike a lot of anime that become popular these days, it wasn’t about big battles or dramatic events. Instead, it really focused on the everyday lives of the characters, with any action taking a backseat. It was fascinating to watch Maomao grow in prominence throughout the series.
Maomao is the clever and engaging central character of the series. As a skilled apothecary, she uses her medical expertise to unravel mysteries within the imperial court. She’s a standout character, and fans will be excited to see her return in both Season 3 of The Apothecary Diaries in 2026 and a brand new movie.
2. Sung Jinwoo
- Anime: Solo Leveling
Sung Jinwoo is the main character in the series Solo Leveling. The anime adaptation, produced by A-1 Pictures and Aniplex, premiered in 2024, bringing Jinwoo to the screen for the first time. He quickly became popular with viewers.
Even though Jinwoo’s writing isn’t the strongest part of the anime, his incredible rise from weakness to power, thanks to the System, has become legendary. His battles against opponents like Baran, Barca, and the Ant King created a lot of excitement, and combined with his calm and collected personality, he’s become a truly unforgettable hero of a new generation. Fans can look forward to seeing Jinwoo again in the upcoming animated project based on Solo Leveling.
1. Frieren
- Anime: Frieren Beyond Journey’s End
I watched Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End really take off in 2023 with the release of its first season. A huge part of what made it so popular, I think, is the main character, Frieren herself. She’s just a really compelling character that people quickly connected with.
Frieren’s story begins after a long adventure with her first companions, and then follows her on a new journey years later. While the series is often peaceful and reflective, it also features exciting and beautifully animated battles. Frieren is a lovable character because we see her, as an elf, learn to connect with others and build strong relationships with both old and new friends, making her a standout protagonist in recent anime. A third season of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is planned for release in 2027.
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2026-05-13 22:35